Forensics Wins Two Championships in St. Louis

Truman’s forensic union (speech and debate team) brought home two tournament championships in debate and numerous other awards at the 21st annual Gorlok Gala, hosted by Webster University in St. Louis. In a field of 42 schools from 17 different states, Truman forensics had its best performance in the last five years.

In individual events, sophomore Audrey Baker and junior Austin Sopko placed second in duo interpretation. Baker also reached the finals in two other events, placing fourth in program oral interpretation and fifth in after dinner speaking. Sopko placed fourth in after dinner speaking and was recognized as being in the top 30 percent of the impromptu speaking field. Freshman Korrin Comley reached the finals of informative speaking, picking up third and the top novice award. She also received fourth and top novice in communication analysis. Finally, freshman Will Henrickson earned sixth place and top novice in dramatic interpretation.

In the Lincoln-Douglas debate junior varsity division, freshman Macy Cecil earned the championship in a 2-1 decision against the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Freshman Michael Garret finished as a quarterfinalist in the junior varsity elimination rounds. Garret and Cecil were slated against each other on the bracket and Cecil advanced due to preliminary round seeding. In addition to their elimination round status, Garret earned sixth best speaker in the division and Cecil placed third.

In the Lincoln-Douglas varsity division, senior Johnathan Christy was named top speaker from a pool of more than 60 competitors. He also finished as a quarterfinalist. Fellow senior Tyler Behymer also finished as quarterfinalist. Finally, sophomore Cami Smither was named eighth best speaker in the division.

The forensics team will compete at the Missouri Association of Forensic Activities Championship Tournament from Feb. 22-23, also hosted by Webster University. For more information on how to get involved, visit forensics.truman.edu or contact Christopher Outzen, director of forensics or Craig Hennigan, assistant director of forensics.